Shelton council awards reservoir vent‑hood and downtown tree/sidewalk contracts

The Shelton City Council approved two public‑works contract awards at its Feb. 17 meeting: a reservoir vent‑hood replacement project intended to meet Department of Health requirements and a downtown street tree and sidewalk repair project.

Reservoir vent hoods (DOH requirement) Assistant public‑works staff said the city must replace vent hoods on four standpipe reservoirs to meet a Department of Health requirement and recommended awarding the contract to T Bailey LLC. Staff said the design engineer had provided a cost estimate (the precise figure in the transcript was unclear) and that two bids were received; the city read Resolution 1421‑1225 and adopted it to authorize the manager to execute contract documents with T Bailey LLC to complete the work and comply with the DOH deadline.

Downtown street trees and sidewalks Public works director Dr. Ted Holbeck told council the downtown sidewalk/tree project received 18 bids; the engineer's estimate was about $410,000, but low bids allowed the city to include base (A), A+ and B components. Staff recommended awarding the contract to Diversified Holdings Northwest LLC with a cost not to exceed $259,170 to complete all three work schedules. Council adopted Resolution 1428‑0126 to authorize the contract.

Council members discussed staging trees in phases to avoid a clear‑cut appearance and staff said the project should improve walkability; staff expressed hope the work could be completed before ForestFest. Members asked whether the awarded contractors are local; staff said some employees are local and past local workers have been employed by the firms.

Other action: the council also approved the Shaw Arts Commission's rotating gallery selections for the Civic Center (install March 3 through May).